Description
A deep, decadent, and rich roast duck pasta sauce, perfect for a special occasion or a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 duck legs
- 3 slices of bacon, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 200ml red wine
- 1 x 400g tin of Italian chopped tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt, preferably sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Optional: Gremolata (chopped parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Score the skin of the duck legs with a sharp knife and rub them with salt, preferably sea salt.
- Place the duck legs skin side up in a roasting dish and roast for 1 hour, turning them over halfway through and basting occasionally with the rendered fat.
- While the duck is roasting, heat a little olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
- Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
- Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Once the duck is roasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat off the bones and add it to the sauce, discarding the bones and excess fat.
- Let the ragù simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and the flavors are well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- If using, prepare the gremolata by combining chopped parsley, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
- Serve the duck ragù over your choice of pasta, topped with gremolata if desired.
Notes
The gremolata topping is optional but highly recommended for a fresh contrast. This ragù can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving. Serve with a robust pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 30
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 90